Tag Archives: house

Feb6

Giving Your Living Room A Mini Makeover

Posted on by
Standard
Giving Your Living Room A Mini Makeover

Considering that we have all spent the majority of this past year in our living rooms, I think we all deserve to give it a mini makeover! If you are as sick of your living room as I am at this point, then a mini makeover could be just what you need to brighten the space as we continue on through the COVID-19 pandemic. Mini makeovers are also great because we are not talking huge renovations here, rather, small improvements to make your space better. Try utilizing some of the following tips as you spruce up your living room:

Choose A Statement Piece:

Is your couch losing its stuffing? How about a wobbly coffee table? Or perhaps your favorite recliner’s cushions have sunken in? No matter the case, visit Modern Sense Furniture to find exactly what you need and make it a statement in your room. One new piece of furniture can instantly transform a space and it also might give you the inspiration to base your room around it if you are interested in making a bigger change. Remember, when choosing a statement piece, you not only want it to be unique and visually appealing but you still want it to function properly. Who wants to sit on a cool couch if it is really uncomfortable?

Make Your Space Cozy:

The living room is where we go to unwind after a long day in the home office, so fill it with things that are comforting to you. Whether it be a plush rug beneath your feet, candles, thick curtains, or pillows and soft throw blankets – treat yourself to a few new items that will soothe you. You can even turn your quest for comfort into a new hobby through candle making, knitting, or crochet. Just make sure your living room isn’t too comfy during the day if you like to work from home on the couch. We don’t want you falling asleep on the job!

Create An Accent Wall:

Accent walls are a relatively cheap and very effective way to make a room feel like new again. Just a few painted accent walls in my parent’s home completely changed each room’s atmosphere. Accent walls can not only be created with paint but can be achieved with decor or even interesting floating shelving. If you choose to make an accent wall with pieces of art or framed photographs, the trick is for it not to appear cluttered. Go with paintings or pictures with color palettes that compliment each other. A hectic display with clashing colors is definitely not conducive to your relaxation!

Once you finish your mini quick fixes in the living room, don’t stop there! Small, simple steps can be achieved room by room to transform your home without any major renovations.

Feb2

Going To Redesign? Do So In Style!

Posted on by
Standard
Going To Redesign? Do So In Style!

Are you considering redesigning your home? You may be tempted by the need to add value to your home or, perhaps, turn it into your dream home. Regardless of the reason, you are now embarking on an amazing journey into the world of home design. It’s complex, exciting, historical, and lots of fun when you get into the swing of things. But, most of all it’s expensive! So you need to spend your money on designs that will actually give you a return. You need design features that will prove to be timeless and add real base value to your home. You don’t want to add designs that will fade away like any other trend. You want home design features that will make your home one of a kind and thus, acquire a unique (and high) price:

Swooping staircase:

Often called the plaza style, the swooping staircase is well-known throughout the world. You have probably seen the large staircases that look like a ribbon coming down from the first floor. They can be twin or single staircase designs, but the latter requires you to have a lot of space. Your foyer must be large and expansive so you can have this amazing wow-factor entrance to your home that many mansions have. The swing stairs are naturally curvy and they are usually only supported by one wall. Inevitably, this means that you need to build the staircase support upward and this can cost a lot. However, support structures and brick bases can be cheaper than steel structures that aren’t as flexible. You can also have a pantry beneath the stairs if you choose the former!

Patio on the hill:

If you have a home that has a great view, then you should build a patio that takes full advantage of this. Usually, we think of patios that offer us space outdoors but with privacy also. However, you can’t really have this if you want to enjoy a view; or can you? We believe that a patio on a hill, so to speak, would be a brilliant idea. Contact reputable home builders that are expert designers so you can begin talking about specific design options. You can have a patio on the first floor or even on the roof. You can also build up a ground-level patio, to have a better view than you do right now, simply by elevating the ground. Patios can also have privacy while having excellent views, you just need to manage the walls, height, and position of the patio inside the home or in the garden.

Patios really are the perfect place to step outside and enjoy the weather and company of good friends. It is an instant property value boost and they look great too. Moreover, patios are highly versatile and customizable. This means you can set up whatever style of patio furniture you wish, or you can find a Patio enclosure supplier in Sacramento, CA (or your local area) to fit an open space roof over your patio to shield you from the sun and rain, for example.

When you are planning your dream patio, don’t forget about how you are going to pave it as this can make or break the overall appearance. As you think through your options, remember that you could go drab with basic concrete or make it fab! Cool mosaic tiles or a stamped concrete patio will offer a unique design to tie the space together from top to bottom.

A spacious kitchen island:

You should consider having a detached kitchen island that has a lot of space. If you don’t have an open floor plan, you might think you should concede to the foggy fact that you can never have a spacious kitchen. But fear not! You can if you design your kitchen walls and island in conjunction with the spare space that you have around the room. If you have a kitchen that is connected with the staircase, could you use the pantry to store food rather than shoes? One can achieve this if you expand your walls where they can essentially engulf the space that is used for other rooms. Rather than take down the walls in your own home, you can expand the walls of your kitchen. Knocking down bits of the kitchen walls that are in the way, you can create a larger room that can fit an island and still be spacious.

Oval room:

You have heard of the oval room in the White House and you definitely can have an oval shaped room in your own home. But why? An oval room is connected to different rooms and to the hallway. It does have a pronounced shape that will be seen from the outside unless it’s right in the middle of your house. You could use the oval room as an office or a playroom for the children. It’s also good for being a swimming pool or jacuzzi room. An oval room will need extensive planning if you want to implement it. It will need to either knock down bits of the internal walls or take them down entirely. However, the result will be an even stronger structure, as the oval room supports many of the rooms that it is connected to.

How should you approach your home’s redesign? We think it should be adventurous while still practical and, of course, super stylish!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Jan30

Preparing Your Home For Spring

Posted on by
Standard
Preparing Your Home For Spring

The holidays already seem like a distant memory but it is not quite time for donning the summer wear just yet. Spring will be here before we know it, which brings with it the joys of spring cleaning and getting your place ready for the warmer months.

Deep cleaning in the early months of the year is a given and is perfect for creating healthy homes, removing dust, and eliminating any harmful bacteria that may be lurking. There is nothing quite like the feeling of knowing how beautifully clean and sparkly your home is! But what about those forgotten aspects of our homes? What else could you be doing to make sure your home really is super clean and perfect for you and your family? Consider the following:

Air Conditioning:

Are you lucky enough to live somewhere that gets super hot during the summer months? If so, now is the time to act if you need to upgrade your air conditioning system. Air conditioning systems not only help you and your family to stay cool indoors but also offer many other benefits too.

Low-quality air intake can cause a range of health conditions and exacerbate existing conditions too, such as asthma and allergies. Air-conditioning units need regular maintenance and cleaning so it’s worthwhile to spend some time on this before the weather heats up. Imagine getting to the height of summer and it not working then!

Aside from spring time check ups, you should learn more about your AC system because there are, typically, noticeable signs that it might not be working properly. This can include higher electric bills, weird noises, and the machine having an unpleasant odor. Having a professional repair the system when you notice something off will prevent it from getting too out of hand, which can happen quickly.

Drains:

Something else that needs regular maintenance and cleaning is your drains, although they are often forgotten. Clogged lines, jammed sewers, and sinks that will not drain properly should not be ignored. They are more than just an inconvenience and could be indicative of further, more serious problems. These problems could even be hazardous to you and your family’s health. Stubborn clogs can be resolved by hydro-jetting or drain snaking, but it is definitely worth calling a drain specialist who will be able to advise you on the best method to look after your home’s drains. This is a task that should not be completed using the DIY route unless you truly do have the skill set. Even then, it is always good to have a second opinion. To find a specialist in your area, simply enter a search for “Guelph Plumber” (or your local area) to get everything in working order.

Guttering:

Clogged guttering is also something that can be more than just unsightly. Problems with gutters can cause substantial water damage to your home so it is a must to give your gutters some love prior to the heavy rainfall come spring. By preventing overflowing gutters or water from leaking into your home, you are likely to save considerable amounts of money in the long-term. Not only can gutter cleaning prevent leaks but can also help to prevent mold and mildew, rodents and pests, as well as woodwork damage.

While you could clean your gutters yourself, it is wise to call in a professional. With a Gutter cleaning service in Pace, FL or one in your local area, you will have peace of mind that the job is done well and safely. The pros will also be able to see things that you might not be keen to like areas in need of replacement, which can save you a whole lot of hassle in the future.

Outdoor Spaces:

Now that most of the severe weather is passing, it is the perfect time to pay attention to those outdoor spaces and get them prepared for the warmer months ahead. Using a jet wash will really help to clean spaces up and you could even start planning for how you would like to use the space throughout the summer. Consider your landscaping and furniture to create an awesome outdoor hang out for you, family, and friends.

Don’t forget the advice above as you begin your spring cleaning to keep all of your house in tip top shape!

Featured Image By: Valentina Locatelli on Unsplash

Jan27

3 Ways To Prepare Your Home For Warm Weather

Posted on by
Standard
3 Ways To Prepare Your Home For Warm Weather

If you are looking forward to spring coming around, you aren’t alone. The past year has been a challenge to say the least, but one thing we can guarantee is that the spring and summer will come around again. These seasons encourage us to get outdoors, enjoy fresh air, and generally have a better outlook on life.

One thing that many people underestimate is how much your household will change as the seasons roll on. Many of us have spent more time than ever at home over the past year due to the coronavirus; although vaccinations are in sight, we can expect to still spend more time indoors in 2021. For this reason, it is crucial to prepare your home for the warm weather so you can stay comfortable and happy while isolating inside!

Here are three ways to prepare your home for warm weather:

Upgrade Your Air Conditioning:

If you live in a location that gets super hot in the summer months, now is the time to act when it comes to getting an air conditioning service. Chances are, the schedules of air conditioning companies are going to fill up quick and you will not want to be left waiting when summer hits. Air conditioning helps you, your pets, kids, and guests to stay cool indoors when the temperatures begin to rise.

How do you upgrade or fix your air conditioning? If you don’t have air conditioning, you should contact a specialist supplier who will give you a quote and install the HVAC in your property. If you have an air conditioner that doesn’t work, or has issues such as the air conditioner not removing humidity, contact your local HVAC specialist for a repair.

As summertime approaches, be sure to monitor your air conditioning unit closely. Any signs you can find that point to it not working properly should be handled immediately to prevent it from getting worse and more expensive. Being prompt will also ensure an appointment will be available before schedules fill up. Take the time to search for “AC repair in Lynnwood” (or your local area) and take note of a few trustworthy companies should you not be able to book an appointment with your first option.

Plant Seeds In The Garden:

If you have a space outdoors to call your own, you should start thinking about how you want it to look and feel in the spring and summer. Planting seeds in your garden as the spring starts to emerge means that they will be in full bloom by summertime.

You could plant a flower bed, a vegetable garden, or even an herb garden! The possibilities are endless when it comes to creating a beautiful green space on your property. Not only does planting seeds create a lovely garden, but it can be highly therapeutic and soothing for a stressed mind. We could all use a little bit of tranquility in our lives, so create it right there in your backyard.

Change Your Thermostat Gradually:

It might seem like a small change, but altering your thermostat gradually can help you create a cool, comfortable atmosphere in the home. Many people forget to do this until they are sweating buckets and opening all of the windows to compensate! In these scenarios, turning the thermostat down multiple degrees all at once can make your home feel drafty and chilly. That’s why a gradual decline is the way to go. Get ahead and gradually change your thermostat as the temperatures outdoors start to rise. Remember that it is a good idea to try this method as early as the weather allows should you need air conditioning repair. These services book up quickly as warmer weather gets nearer and you don’t want to be without cool air on the first sweltering day of the season!

If you are looking for ways to prepare your home for summer, use this helpful guide to achieve a gorgeous springtime feel in your house!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Jan26

Enjoying A Taste Of Travel While Stuck At Home

Posted on by
Standard
Enjoying A Taste Of Travel While Stuck At Home

Most of us haven’t seen much beyond our own four walls since last March; and keeping ourselves occupied at home can be a real challenge after all this time. If you are itching to travel the world once more and explore your favorite destinations, consider trying some of these simple ways to get a taste of travel even when you are stuck at home in lock down:

Change your TV screen:

One super simple way to bring a taste of the tropics to your home is to change the screensaver on your TV or go into YouTube and search tropical beaches. If you have a large TV mounted on the wall; you can change the background to a beautiful scene and then have a family night with food and drink while feeling like you are somewhere else.

Have a themed game night:

Game nights are the best way to pass the time during lock down – and today we want to show you how to make your game night travel themed. You can buy a jigsaw puzzle of Washington, a monopoly board of a far off land, and consider a quiz that is travel themed. Bring all of your favorite destinations into your home through games and activities and enjoy time with your family this weekend.

Make some exotic cocktails:

If you long to be able to drink a Pina Colada on the beach once more; you can still make this happen at home. Bring a taste of your favorite holiday back home by making tropical cocktails this weekend. There are so many fun combinations to try and you can even create your own signature drink!

Enjoy cooking different cuisines:

Cooking different cuisines can be a brilliant way to transport your taste buds across the world and make you feel like you are back in that Greek restaurant or street cart in Thailand once more. Consider your favorite dishes from holidays in the past and find recipes for them online. Cook these dishes at home and enjoy taking your taste buds on a journey across the world for a little while. You can even decorate the table and the house to suit your theme and have a little dinner party with your family.

“Travel” on a virtual tour:

One great way to enjoy travel without traveling is to join a virtual tour of a city or landscape that you love. A lot of places are offering virtual tours at the moment instead of real visitors and it will allow you to immerse yourself in another place. Many museums and zoos are also offering this service and it will allow you to have some virtual days out with your family while tucked safely away at home.

Use these ideas to take yourself on a getaway this weekend – all from the comfort of your home!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Jan26

Need A New Hobby? Try The Following!

Posted on by
Standard
Need A New Hobby? Try The Following!

Hey! Hobbies, hobbies, hobbies. That’s all you hear about when people talk pandemic and, as it has been almost a year since the start of this craziness, you might have exhausted all of the options of things to keep you occupied. Believe you me, I feel it completely and have felt like I’ve been stuck in a never ending loop of work, video games, Netflix, and bed. It can be hard to break that cycle but maybe these ideas below will help inspire all of us to keep on trying new things, despite all of the boredom blues. Let’s get to it:

Library Programs:

If your local libraries are anything like the ones in Ohio, then the events calendar on their website should be full of virtual programs that you can enjoy. There are events for every age group to participate in from story time for children to concerts from local talent and craft nights on Zoom. Take a look at your library’s website, see what sparks your interest, and sign up. The best part? If you don’t like it, all you need to do is close out of the Zoom call!

Make Some Money:

I used to be a huge fan of garage sale style apps like LetGo and they can be a great tool when you are doing a big home clean out. Start your spring cleaning early and see if you have anything that you’d like to try your hand at selling. One man’s trash is another man’s treasure, as they say, and you could put your earnings towards a vacation fund when it is safer to travel. Plus: Clean house. It’s a total win/win.

Check Out Local Specialty Shops:

In my neck of the woods, there are plenty of small businesses that you can support and a lot of them have programs offered online. Perhaps your local game shop has an online Dungeons & Dragons community? Or maybe the craft store offers online tutorials on completing an art project from their employees. Not only will you help support their business but it will be a great way to meet new people and possibly develop a brand new hobby.

Fresh Spins On Old Favorites:

There is nothing wrong with sticking with the same old if it’s what you enjoy but how about putting a spin on it? Love pampering yourself in your free time? Try your hand at making your own soaps or lotion. Handy in the kitchen? Open your cook book to a random page and whip up something you never tried before. Book worm? Start your own book club with your friends over Zoom! Incorporating some new things into a hobby that is already your favorite will keep things exciting and you can become skilled in all areas of your craft.

We still have a long way to go before things go back to “normal”, which means we are going to be confined to our homes for a bit longer. Try the ideas above and, before you know it, nicer weather will be here and seeing friends safely outdoors will be possible! 😀

How do you spend your time in lock down? What is something new that you’d like to try? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan20

How To Keep Your Home Healthy During Quarantine

Posted on by
Standard
How To Keep Your Home Healthy During Quarantine

Right now, you are probably growing used to spending pretty much all of your time at home. Rather than being a place that you spend your evenings and weekends; your home is now your gym, workplace, and everything else besides. During the quarantine, you may have spent time perfecting your work from home set up, trying to keep yourself entertained, and the majority of it trying to stay in touch with friends and family via Zoom.

One thing that you may not have considered is whether your home environment is beneficial for your health. As everyone is spending far more time at home, it is more crucial than ever to make sure that your home helps your health rather than damages it. Here is how you can ensure that your home is as healthy as possible so that you can quarantine in the knowledge that your home is the best place to be right now:

Deal with Damp:

Dampness is a common problem in many homes and can cause health problems if it is left untreated. Mold and mildew are things that no one wants to see in their house, especially when you are spending all your time there. Ensuring that your home has adequate ventilation can help reduce damp, but if mold and mildew have already developed, you will need to remove them effectively. Using a bleach solution or proprietary mold remover should help clean off the mold and kill the mold spores. Remember that you will need to take care when using these treatments.

Clear the Air:

There is nothing more important than the air that you breathe, but it is easy to forget that you can play a part in improving the air quality in your home. Breathing in low-quality air can lead to a range of health problems and cause some potentially serious issues. Asthma and allergies can flare up when air quality is compromised, and your HVAC system could be causing these issues.

If your HVAC system is not maintained by a reputable air duct cleaning specialist such as DUCTZ, it can cause a range of problems. Over time, dust and dirt collect in your air ducts and if they are not cleaned regularly, then they will be spread throughout your home every time you use your heating and cooling system and pollute the quality of the air that you breathe. For this reason, scheduling regular HVAC maintenance is essential to ensure that your system is working correctly and that your air ducts are kept clean. A quick search for ‘HVAC contractor in Frederick, MD‘ or wherever it is you are located will put you in touch with the right professionals to guarantee good air quality in your home throughout the year.

Try a Deep Clean:

Deep cleaning your home is an excellent way to freshen it up and remove any potential health hazards. Deep cleaning removes the dust that can cause allergies and aggravate eczema-prone skin. Having a thorough deep clean of your house will also help to eliminate any harmful bacteria that could be lurking on your surfaces. Tend to what you can clean safely and leave the rest to the professionals should there be high places you can’t reach or your home is in need of a professional air duct cleaning. A freshly-cleaned, healthy home will make staying in it a far more pleasing experience.

Make your home even safer to be at during the pandemic by following the tips above!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Jan17

Feeling Blah? Change Things Up!

Posted on by
Standard
Feeling Blah? Change Things Up!

Hey! I don’t know about all of you but, some days, I just feel totally blah. The weather is gloomy, COVID-19 makes me so worried, and the state of the world is very stressful. It’s also easy to feel even more down and out when all of your normal activities with friends, families, and clubs have been postponed until safer times. I’m sure that all of us are itching for a big change and, until that happens, it’s up to us to keep ourselves positive and motivated. Small changes that you can accomplish, despite everything going on, can really help perk you up. So, how about trying the following:

Your Furniture Layout:

If you’re getting sick of being in the exact same living room or home office that you have been confined to for months, switch it up! Rearrange the furniture, hang up some new art work, or create a photo collage with all of the pictures that you’ve been meaning to get developed. It won’t be as nice as a complete change of scenery like going to the beach but it will make the space you’ve been stuck in different and that’s all that matters.

Your Hair:

Perhaps you’re not bored with your location but your appearance. I know that I desperately miss getting all dressed up but, since there’s nowhere to be, the concept of “looking nice” has been long forgotten. If you are interested in changing up how you look, then now is the perfect time to try that new hair style or color that you have always had in the back of your mind. If it doesn’t turn out exactly how you want, it’s no matter – your hair will be back to normal by the time it’s safer to be in public.

Your Perspective:

Whenever I am feeling blue, I try and think about all of the good things that happened to me even though I am at home. For example, last week I went grocery shopping and I told Johnny that despite everything going on I’m thankful that I have him, a fridge and pantry full of food, and a roof over our heads. It’s important to still remember all of the positive things that you have no matter how small they are. If nothing else, be thankful that you are safe at home and preventing your loved ones and perfect strangers from becoming sick.

Your Hobbies:

I think that all of us can agree that watching Netflix or your preferred streaming service is a universal favorite hobby right now. But, getting lost in TV every day is doing your mind and body no favors. Dedicate at least an hour per day to work on your mental and physical wellness. Take a walk around the neighborhood, meditate, or call a friend. I know everything is so monotonous right now but you have the tools to help break that cycle if you choose to use them.

Your Goals:

Creating new goals for yourself can be an exciting way to fill free time and it’s even better when you begin accomplishing them. Make yourself a dream board with all of the things that you want to achieve in the next year or so and work on making it happen. Once you have an idea and a plan, all that needs done is for you to carry it out. What will you be putting on your dream board?

Changes big or small always help me shake away the blahs and I hope that some of the ideas above help make you feel better too!

What do you do when you have a case of the blahs? What are you thankful for? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan15

Pandemic Worthy New Year’s Resolutions

Posted on by
Standard
Pandemic Worthy New Year’s Resolutions

Hello! I, personally, never make New Year’s Resolutions. But, that doesn’t mean that I can’t help you come up with yours! I’m sure it feels difficult to set goals when leaving the house isn’t the best option so how about some ideas that you can accomplish from the comfort of home? Like the following:

Doing workout videos:

If losing weight is one of your goals, then there are a plethora of work out videos online that you can do from your living room. From yoga and Zumba to simple stretches, there is sure to be something that works for you. Maybe some of the trainers at your local gym even have classes recorded! Start with one or two classes a week and continue adding on from there once you feel ready. Hey, just one half hour class is an awesome achievement if it’s something you’re not used to. And Netflix isn’t going anywhere, I promise. 🙂

Caring for indoor plants:

If you want to improve on your green thumb, try caring for some indoor plants until it gets warm enough to garden outdoors. Not only will they beautify your space but they will help clean the air as well as give you something productive to do. Check out Pinterest and create a photo worthy succulent garden. Or grow some herbs indoors to use while you test out new recipes. It feels good to take care of a plant and help it grow and it will be exciting to track its progress every day.

Scheduled video chats:

The COVID-19 pandemic has meant that family and friends do not get to see each other as often as before. If this is something that you have been down about, then pencil in scheduled video chats with those you miss. It is the next best thing to hanging out in real life and it feels nice to have something to look forward to marked in your calendar. I live for my FaceTime dates with my besties and this reminds me that I have to schedule some calls, myself!

Fostering/adopting a pet:

If you have always wanted a furry, scaley, or feathery friend to keep you company, then there is no better time than the present – especially if you are working from home. Do your research and visit a local animal shelter or rescue organization for your new best friend. If you are not ready for the full time commitment of a new pet, then fostering is also a great and much appreciated option.

If you love animals but cannot commit to having a pet, you can also help local shelters by providing old blankets or towels, food, and toys. Organize a community drive and help make a difference.

Work on a new/old hobby:

As always, the New Year is the best time to learn a new hobby or get reacquainted with an old one. Set aside a half hour every day or few days to work on a hobby that is fun for you. It’s impossible to be good at something overnight but the improvements that you will make with steady practice will help motivate you to keep working at it. Learn a new language, paint that picture from a tutorial, or try your hand at Photoshop. Practice makes perfect and by 2022 you will be amazed at how far you’ve come!

Get inspired with the tips above and carve out some time at home to begin working on your goals!

What are your resolutions for 2021? Have you been sticking to them so far? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan14

Making Your Outdoor Space The Perfect Hang Out

Posted on by
Standard
Making Your Outdoor Space The Perfect Hang Out

Despite the weather being cold and gloomy, it is never too early to think about how to improve your outdoor space this spring and summer. Once the warm weather hits, it will be a lot easier to safely socialize outside which might make you even more motivated to turn your outdoor property into the best on the block. Try out some of these ideas and you will be back to seeing your friends in the warm summer’s breeze before you know it:

Lush greenery:

The first step to turning your yard into the place to be is to get your landscaping just right. Soft green grass, lovely foliage, and bright flowers are a must. It will make your space so inviting and will surely impress your guests when they come to visit. Some people, like my dad, are born with green thumbs. But, if gardening is not your strong suit, then enlist the help of landscaping Toronto for a front and back yard you can be proud of.

Comfortable outdoor furniture:

You will not want your friends to have to sit on the lawn when they stop by, so it’s important to get some nice outdoor furniture to rest on. Outdoor Furniture like wicker chairs with plush cushions, lawn chairs, and benches are a great place to start. As long as you take care of the furniture, that is! Heavy rain and stifling heat can turn that once super comfortable cushion into a moldy disaster.

A fire pit:

There is nothing better than sitting around a bonfire with your friends so maybe this will be the year you invest in a fire pit. It will feel so good to do something “normal” again while being a lot safer outdoors. Can’t you just smell the bonfire and hear the crickets chirping now?

Outdoor activities:

Don’t forget the games! A nice, lush lawn is just begging for some bocce ball, croquet, and cornhole – all of which can be played social distance style. Invite a few friends and have yourselves a garden party. Don’t forget the tiny sandwiches and lemonade! After a delightful garden party, perhaps you will put on a fireworks show to wow your guests. Sparklers and rockets are major crowd pleasers and create amazing photo ops too. There is no better way to end a lovely day enjoying the weather and good company!

Made in the shade:

On especially sunny days, it will be crucial to have a spot to cool down in – whether that be a table with a great big umbrella, a Sun Setter, or a kiddie pool to soak your feet in. After all of this time spent indoors, I’m sure many of us will be in our gardens all day come summer time. If you find yourself retreating back inside when it gets too hot, a cool down space to continue to enjoy the great outdoors in will be a must when preparing your space.

In my opinion, winter has been flying by. And, in just a few short months, we will all be able to have the opportunity to socialize a bit more outside so make your outdoor space this summer the best ever!